Northampton will have to wear their away kit at home to Fleetwood on Saturday after their new strip for the coming season failed to arrive on time.

Northampton have switched to Nike kits this summer but problems with shipping mean they do not have their full claret and white home kit available and are not yet in a position to fulfil retail orders.

Club chairman Kelvin Thomas apologised to fans who had ordered replica shirts and told the club's website on Thursday that the Cobblers would turn out in their white away kit on Saturday as a result.

Northampton will wear their away kit against Fleetwood after their home kit failed to arrive

Club chairman Kelvin Thomas has been forced to aplogise to fans who had ordered replicas

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NORTHAMPTON'S OPENING THREE GAMES

August 6: Fleetwood (H) - League One

August 9: Barnsley (A) - EFL Cup

August 13: Charlton (A) - League One

'We were expecting a small amount of playing kit for Saturday for the team, however we will not be getting the full order and therefore following a discussion with (manager) Rob (Page) we have taken the decision to wear our away kit against Fleetwood,' he said.

'What is important is nothing distracts us from Saturday's game and to be worrying about what kit and which sizes are going to arrive is unacceptable and therefore a decision had to be made. There is also a part of me that feels if the fans haven't got their home shirts then we don't want to wear them either.

Northampton are preparing for life back in League One after securing promotion last season

The Cobblers have switched their kit supplier from Errea (above) to Nike this season

'We have received the relevant permissions from the Football League and informed both Fleetwood Town and Saturday's referee.'

The club said the delay had been caused by port issues in Antwerp and Rotterdam.

Fans who had pre-ordered the strip will receive a free club t-shirt, available from Friday.